Sidetracked with Annie and Nick

Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme joins Nick to discuss the week in music. It's been a tough week for All Points East, the festival was the focus of some savage reviews after Sault’s much anticipated show and now Doechii has cancelled her upcoming headline slot. Nick and Josh ask: where has it all gone wrong? Plus, Taylor Swift isn’t the only one with a new album coming out in October, Florence + The Machine are returning, and Josh recalls the time he tried and failed to match Florence Welch’s ethereal energy. Elsewhere, Lana Del Rey and Ethel Cain are in a feud, the Hives are back and better than ever, and Liam Gallagher’s been banned from throwing his tambourine into the crowd at Oasis gigs. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk SONGS The Hives – The Hives Forever Forever the Hives Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream Big Freedia – Explode Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash – Jackson   Florence + The Machine & Josh Homme – Jackson (MTV Unplugged) The Smiths – This Night Has Opened My Eyes OutKast – Hey Ya! Robyn – Dancing On My Own New Order – Blue Monday Radiohead – Let Down Dean Martin – Mambo Italiano ALBUMS/EPS Queens of the Stone Age – Alive in the Catacombs The Hives – The Hives Forever Forever the Hives Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl Oasis – Definitely Maybe Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream

A look back on the biggest musical lessons of 2025 so far with the help of Sidetracked’s guests, including Cynthia Erivo sharing her theory on why we’re created with the ability to sing, Stevie Wonder pondering the concept of retirement, and James Blake standing up for Coldplay. Plus, Michael Eavis’s approach to birthday parties, Alana Haim’s bad habits and Sir Rod Stewart’s Glastonbury budget. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk

Is it ever okay to talk during a gig? Do rock concerts have the friendliest crowds? And can one wear glasses in a mosh pit? Annie and Nick ponder all this and more in this listener curated special about gig culture in 2025 and share their own live music highs and lows. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk.

Nick is joined by guest co-host and Fontaines D.C. guitarist, Carlos O’Connell, this week to analyse the concept of recession pop and the positivity rates of popular songs. What impact can the economy have on our listening habits? Elsewhere this week, fans say Justin Timberlake is ruining the tour (the world tour), Madonna’s released her much-anticipated remix album, and Nadia Lee Cohen has directed a music video for Aphex Twin. Plus, Carlos explains the complex themes of Disney’s Frozen to an enthralled Nick and reveals how an encounter with a scammer palm reader in San Francisco helped him get a part on Lena Dunham's Too Much. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk You can read Mark Savage’s story on music trends here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-052ab668-403d-416f-b5a6-c5692313b9b4 SONGS Fontaines D.C. - It’s Amazing To Be Young Aphex Twin – Korg Funk 5       CMAT – Euro Country Fontaines D.C. - Boys in the Better Land Ed Sheeran – Shape of You Chappell Roan – Hot To Go! Pharell Williams – Happy Idina Menzel – Let It Go ALBUMS Fontaines D.C. - Dogrel Fontaines D.C. - Romance The Cure – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me CMAT – Euro Country Madonna – Veronica Electronica Madonna – Ray of Light Madonna – Erotica Mên An Tol – The Country TV SHOWS Too Much, Netflix

Annie sits down with musician, author, and actor Jordan Stephens, whilst Nick is on holiday, to discuss some of the ‘globally gas’ headlines from the world of music: the Coldplay CEO scandal and Jess Glynne’s Jet2 jingle. Elsewhere, Jordan and Annie begin to unpick the complexities of AI and streaming platforms and discuss some more positive news about how the industry is (finally) recognising that artists should be paid. Plus, are people too worried to let go and dance at gigs? Tyler, The Creator has dropped a new album about body movement and connection – is it the antidote to the threats facing music culture? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk